Sparks fly for Denmark volunteers as firefighter numbers soar

Stepping up for their community has been nothing short of rewarding for Denmark’s Will Miller and Madeline Francis. Finding love on the job was just a bonus. Mr Miller, captain of the East Denmark Bush Fire Brigade, and Ms Francis, an Albany and Denmark State Emergency Services member, met while responding to a joint agency search operation a year ago. Since that meeting, the 24-year-olds’ relationship and passion for volunteering has blossomed. “It’s the same moral compass within us that brought us together,” Ms Francis said. Mr Miller has since signed up as a new volunteer for the Denmark SES, and Ms Francis has donned a fire helmet for the East Denmark Bush Fire Brigade. Although life as an emergency services volunteer can be demanding, the pair say it has been made easier by having someone to share it with. “Being able to help each other with our weaknesses is really nice by doing little trainings between us at home,” Ms Francis said. “The call-outs are the best part. “Although we slip out of being a couple and into our roles, it is almost like a bit of a date — while keeping completely professional.” The couple are not the only Denmark residents getting into volunteering. More than 50 new volunteer firefighters have signed up across the shire this year. Having taken the reins of the East Denmark brigade earlier this year, Mr Miller said it was fantastic to see younger recruits stepping up. “There is always going to be a role for everyone,” he said. “The good thing about new members is it is giving us the opportunity to be mentors and teachers in areas that we are skilled at, and giving us the ability to pass on our knowledge.”